It looks like the only 100% sure posistion up for battle during spring training is the 5th starter in the rotation. One option is former Reds #1 pick and once to be thought as a "sure thing" Homer Bailey. I saw Homer in the Futures game in Pittsburgh several years ago and he was exciting with a 95+ mph fastball but it's been well documented that his attitude towards instruction from coaches and teammates alike, has stunted his growth as a big league pitcher. Homer stunk it up last season. He was 0-6 with a 7.93 ERA with 18 SO/17 BB. NOT GOOD.
I'm certainly no expert, but in watching Homer a lot in Louisville, he demeanor on the mound looks questionable. He just doesn't look confident and doesn't look to have that mean streak of fellow Texans Nolan Ryan or Roger Clemens. It sometimes looks as though he's thinking about IF he'll get hitters out instead of KNOWING. I've seen him with way too many counts in his favor and then give up a big hit. He just doesn't seem to have that putaway pitch.
In a move I figured may be coming soon, Dusty said on MLB.com that the Reds would consider moving Homer to the bullpen as a long reliever if his struggles as a starter continued. Homer still has some minor league options open so it's possible that we'll see him back in Louisville where he looks very unhappy. Hopefully, Homer will dominate this spring, find that putaway pitch, and be in the Reds rotation on opening day.
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